Social Security has begun to send out retroactive payments and benefit increases to those whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The retroactive payments began in February and should be completed by the end of this month. Additionally, the increase in monthly benefit payments should begin in April.
This is a much more aggressive schedule than originally anticipated, with original estimates suggesting this could take up to a year. There are some complex cases that could take longer, but the expectation is that most people will see the changes completed by April of this year.
The Social Security Administration has asked that all beneficiaries wait until April to ask about the status of their retroactive payment. If you believe you should have received an increased benefit but have not seen any changes, you should reach out to the Social Security Administration in April for more information.
That said, most beneficiaries will not need to do anything to receive these payments. If you know that SSA has your mailing address and/or direct deposit information on file, no other actions are needed from you at this time. If you want to verify that the mailing address and/or direct deposit information that SSA has on file is accurate and up to date:
- Check your personal Social Security account. Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to sign in or create an account.
- If you are unable to create an account, please call 1-800-772-1213 to verify the information we have on file.
Ensuring that SSA has the correct information allows you to get any retroactive benefits and your new benefit amount quicker.
If you have never applied for retirement, spouse’s, or surviving spouse’s benefits (or are unsure if you have), you may need to file an application. The most convenient way to apply for retirement or spouse’s benefits is online at www.ssa.gov/apply. You can also file an application by telephone at 1-800-772-1213 if you have not previously applied for benefits.
For more information regarding the Social Security Fairness Act, benefit changes or action steps, you can visit the FAQs page published by Social Security.
